REDDITCH skipper Mark Rose pointed the finger at Saturday's match official after his side slipped to a disappointing 9-5 home defeat to Bromyard.

The official was stuck in traffic and did not arrive until 3pm for the North Midlands One fixture which was set to kick-off 45 minutes earlier.

The club is in the pool for a friendly fixture on Saturday with opponents and venue to be decided because they have a bye in the North Midlands Cup.

Rose is hoping to welcome back last year's captain Andy Douglas after another knee injury-hit campaign.

But fly half Mark Morris and back row Ron Skelton are unavailable as Redditch use the game to prepare for their return to league action against resurgent neighbours Five Ways Old Edwardians.